Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Commemoration of Hannah

Today the church remembers Hannah, the mother of Samuel. From the Treasury of Daily Prayer:

Hannah was a favored wife of Elkanah, the EPhraimite, and the devout mother od the prophet Samuel. He was born to her after years of bitter barranness (1 Samuel 1:6-8) and fervent prayers for a son (1 Samuel 1:9-18). After she weaned her son, Hannah expressed her gratitude by returning him for service in the house of the Lord at Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:24-28). Her prayer (psalm) of thanksgiving (1 Samuel 2:1-10) begins with the words "My heart exults in LORD; my strength is exalted in the LORD." This song foreshadows the Magnificat, the Son of Mary centuries later (Luke 1:46-55). The name "Hannah" derives from the Hebrew word for "grace." She is remembered and honored for joyfully having kept the vow she made before her son's birth and offering him for lifelong service to God.

A prayer in Hannah's honor:God the Father Almighty, maker of all things, You looked on the affliction of Your barren servant Hannah and did not forget her but answered her prayers with the gift of a son. So hear our supplications and petitions and fill our emptiness, granting us trust in Your provision, so that we, like Hannah, might render unto You all thankfulness and praise, and delight in the miraculous birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.